Defeat to rivals all but ends Horwood’s title hopes

Great Horwood narrowly lost their top-of-the-table clash with local rivals Westbury to all but end their title chances in OCA Division One.

After losing the toss, Horwood were put into bowl first and Westbury batted cautiously as they went at just over a run an over for the first 14 overs before Adam Armitage bowled Willet for eight.

Gurney (59) started to play some more shots as, together with Wilson (19), they started to pick up the rate before both fell to excellent catches from C. Mcstraw and Parker.

Ben Rae was fluent for 25, but Neil Wilkins trapped him LBW to put Horwood back on top before Matt Mcstraw (2-34) and Wilkins (4-52) took quick wickets as three of the middle-order fell for ducks.

With only six overs left, Westbury were below par at 135-7, but some late order hitting pushed them up to 192-8.

Horwood made a terrible start in reply as Spurr departed for a duck, Parker was caught for five and Dale Armitage was out first ball to leave the visitors reeling at 20-3.

Glyn Davies and Mcstraw began the rebuild and although Davies was dismissed for 26, Nix (33) joined Mcstraw and the duo put on 60 for the fifth-wicket to take Horwood beyond the 100 mark thanks to some powerful hitting.

Mcstraw passed 50 but both he and Nix fell and while C Mcstraw hit 25, the lower-order were unable to offer support as they were out for 164.

Horwood face Cowley at Stonesfield Cricket Club in the Airey Cup final on Bank Holiday Monday at 1.30pm.